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British Summer Time ends
British Summer Time ends
Time is of the essence today: the last Sunday of October marks the end of British Summer Time. At 2 AM this morning, the clocks fell back one hour, meaning there was an extra hour of sleep. While the idea of summer time was mentioned in 1784 by American inventor Benjamin Franklin, the first serious proposal for changing the clocks in the United Kingdom came from British builder William Willett in 1907. He valued having more daylight and felt so strongly about this that he published a pamphlet called "The Waste of Daylight. Over time, many countries adopted the practice to give people more daylight in the evenings during the summer months.Desktop Version
Antarctica Day
Antarctica Day
The windiest, coldest, driest and fifth-largest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was discovered in 1820. In the following decades, several countries organised expeditions to reach and explore the Antarctic ice sheets. Since the southernmost continent lacked an indigenous population, various nations claimed ownership. As tensions mounted, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 to set the region aside for scientific research and prohibit military activities. Today, we celebrate the anniversary of this treaty, which now has 56 parties.Desktop Version
Northern hawk-owl
Northern hawk-owl
Do you find yourself thriving in the daytime while your friends love to stay out late? If so, you"ve got a friend in the northern hawk-owl, one of the world"s few owls that is only active during the day. This vocal bird inhabits the boreal forests of North America and Eurasia and has different calls for mating, communicating with young and announcing that danger is nearby. Northern hawk-owls aren"t picky eaters, they"ll consume mice, rats, voles, lemmings, rabbits, shrews, moles, occasionally other small birds and have even been seen eating frogs and fish. No worries, we"re not on the menu, but if you wander too close to their nest, protective parents have been known to swoop at humans to keep them away.Desktop Version
Mount Hood, Oregon, USA
Mount Hood, Oregon, USA
Mount Hood graces the US state of Oregon"s skyline with a pointed, snow-capped peak. Standing at nearly 3,426 metres, this dormant stratovolcano is the tallest mountain in the state, drawing adventurers and nature aficionados alike. With 12 named glaciers and numerous snow fields, Mount Hood offers a wintry playground all year round. Beyond its snow-laden allure, it sustains diverse ecosystems, nurturing ancient forests and serving as a haven for wildlife, including cougars and wolves. Over the past 1,800 years, the volcano has erupted three times. According to geologists, the mountain is primarily dormant, but there is still a chance that it could erupt one day.Desktop Version
Last Night of the Proms
Last Night of the Proms
If you"ve ever found yourself dreaming of a night packed with classical music, patriotic fervour and the occasional flag-waving, then the Last Night of the Proms, happening today, is for you. This annual event, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, pictured here, is the grand finale of the BBC Proms season. The Proms, short for "Promenade Concerts," began in 1895 with the aim of making classical music accessible to everyone. It started with just a few concerts, but it has grown into a summer-long festival featuring hundreds of performances from July to September. The Last Night typically kicks off with a selection of classical favourites performed by top orchestras and soloists. Expect the second half of the evening to get properly patriotic, with anthems like "Land of Hope and Glory" and "Rule, Britannia!," inspiring a joyous sing-along. So, put on your best concert attire or a flag cape and get ready to join in the fun!Desktop Version
Tree of Life, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA
Tree of Life, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA
Olympic National Park in Washington, USA, is a pristine sanctuary boasting diverse ecosystems. Visitors can hike through ancient forests, spot wildlife or explore the breathtaking coastline, making it a nature lover"s paradise. The amazing tree in today"s image is the Kalaloch Tree of Life, which is a part of this park. Seemingly defying gravity, this large Sitka spruce"s roots cling to the sides of a small gully. The soil under the tree is slowly being worn away by a stream that flows into the Pacific Ocean, yet, somehow, the Tree of Life continues to grow. Given its will to live, it"s easy to understand how this tree earned its nickname.Desktop Version
Burrowing owl chicks
Burrowing owl chicks
In today"s image, we see four burrowing owls in Wyoming, USA, standing near their burrow, looking like a band of mischievous siblings. Known for their distinctive white eyebrows and yellow eyes, these owls are active during the day, hunting insects and small mammals. These resilient species, capable of surviving for at least 9 years in the wild and surpassing 10 years in captivity, face numerous threats in their environment. Predation from various sources, including badgers, coyotes, snakes and both feral and domesticated pets like cats and dogs, poses a constant danger to its survival. The burrowing owl exhibits remarkable adaptive behaviours, such as nesting and roosting in abandoned ground burrows of armadillos, prairie dogs or skunks. When confronted with danger, the owl retreats to these burrows and emits rattling and hissing sounds.Desktop Version
Kingfisher
Kingfisher
Don"t be fooled by its tropical look, this bird has a wide range and adapts to various climates—meet kingfisher. With over 100 species spread across the globe, kingfishers are found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to coastal regions. Most species, like the common kingfisher, prefer freshwater environments across Europe, Asia and Africa, while others, such as the belted kingfisher, are found in North and South America. These birds are instantly recognisable by their vibrant plumage, often featuring a striking mix of blues, greens and oranges.Desktop Version
Channel Country, Australia
Channel Country, Australia
There is a patchwork quilt of earth tones and narrow waterways running like veins through the Australian Outback"s Channel Country. This sprawling area is famous for its crisscrossing river channels and its transformation from a parched desert canvas to a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers when rainfall is abundant. Indigenous Australians have lived off this land for tens of thousands of years, and some in the area offer tours and classes that teach visitors how to survive in the Outback. This unspoiled region is also home to a bonanza of wildlife—kangaroos that bounce along the plains, emus that strut their stuff and preening purple-crowned fairywrens. If you"re lucky, you might even spot a bilby—a nocturnal marsupial that has rabbit-like long ears. So, are you ready to "channel" your inner explorer?Desktop Version
International Polar Bear Day
International Polar Bear Day
Bear with us as we head north for International Polar Bear Day, highlighting the challenges faced by the world"s largest bear species. It was set up by Polar Bears International, an organisation dedicated to protecting these mammals and their habitat. The date was chosen to coincide with the time when cubs are in their dens being protected by their mothers, as this is the most vulnerable time in a polar bear"s life.Desktop Version
Carnival of Venice
Carnival of Venice
Don your tricorn hat and gilded disguise, it"s time to visit the Carnival of Venice, a centuries-old festival shrouded in mystique and beauty. This annual winter celebration combines revelry with anonymity, thanks to masks that often follow certain character archetypes such as the bauta, volto, Colombina and Zanni—the last two are borrowed from Italian commedia theatre. Over the course of the festivities, thousands of people take to the streets in elaborate costumes that imitate traditional 17th-century Venetian clothes. There are parades, parties and processions galore during the carnival, along with concerts and street performances, all of which last until Shrove Tuesday, which falls on February 13 this year. While revelling in the streets, you might pass by the Santa Maria della Salute, seen towards the back of today"s image, a baroque basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who was considered to be the protector of the Republic of Venice.Desktop Version
Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia, Wales
Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia, Wales
From sparkling llyns, mountain hikes, cascading waterfalls to ruined castles, Snowdonia never ceases to amaze. Pictured here is Llyn Padarn, situated near the charming village of Llanberis. At about 2 miles in length and 95 feet in depth, this glacial lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Wales. This example of a moraine-dammed lake has been designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a bathing water. Whether you"re an enthusiast of kayaking, paddleboarding or simply want to immerse your toes in the water, it has your back. In addition, its shores are dotted with remnants of slate quarries, providing a glimpse into the region"s industrial past. While you"re there, don"t forget to explore the nearby Dolbadarn Castle, a historic gem that adds an extra layer of antiquity to your journey.Desktop Version
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine, USA
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine, USA
Welcome to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in the United States, where dense woodlands and pristine waterways stretch out as far as the eye can see. Covering nearly 87,500 acres (35,410 hectares), this monument was established in 2016. The region played a significant role in Maine"s logging industry for more than 100 years, but towards the end of the 19th century, this activity began to decline. Efforts to preserve the landscape we see here today were spearheaded by philanthropist Roxanne Quimby. She and her foundation started purchasing land near Baxter State Park in 2001 and donated it to the US federal government in 2016, ensuring its preservation for future generations.Desktop Version
Stockholm Public Library, Sweden
Stockholm Public Library, Sweden
If you"re ever in Sweden and looking for a quiet place to get "shelved," the Stockholm Public Library, or "Stadsbiblioteket" as it is known to locals, is your spot. Opened in 1928, this library is not just a place to borrow books; it"s a cultural icon and an architectural marvel. Here, more than 2 million volumes wait to unfold stories in over 100 languages. Designed by architect Erik Gunnar Asplund in the 1920s, this Nordic Classicist composition features the geometry of a cylinder intersecting a cubic base. Its accessible façade belies a treasure trove within a 360-degree rotunda, inviting even the casual reader into a literal circle of knowledge.Desktop Version
Saint Georges Day
Saint Georges Day
Are you ready to wave your flags and celebrate all things English? Saint George"s Day has rolled around once again. Today is a commemoration the death of the patron saint of England who was a Roman soldier famed for his dragon-slaying. This feast day is not just about honouring the saint, it"s also about celebrating English culture and heritage. From dragon-themed parades in Derby to traditional feasts fit for a king, there"s something for everyone to enjoy. Coincidently, today also marks the birth and death dates of William Shakespeare. So, don a rose, raise your glass and let"s hear it for all things English!Desktop Version
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia, USA
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia, USA
Cemeteries are not typically the first place people consider exploring, but Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, United States, defies expectations. The city is often referred to as the most haunted in America, so devotees to all things spooky gather here, along with those paying respects to loved ones who have passed. A cemetery since 1846, the site is perched on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River. Its oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss, loom over walkways, monuments and elaborate burial vaults. If it sounds like stepping into a southern Gothic novel, you"re on the right track: the 160-acre property was featured in John Berendt"s 1994 bestseller, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". From poet Conrad Aiken to songwriter Johnny Mercer, famous figures rest here. Among them, you"ll find Little Gracie Watson. Her life-sized statue, carved in marble, watches over visitors with an eerie calm. Legend has it, her spirit still lingers. Would you care to meet her?Desktop Version
Rapa Valley in Sarek National Park, Sweden
Rapa Valley in Sarek National Park, Sweden
Rapa Valley is nestled within Sarek National Park in Sweden, where rivers cut through lush meadows and towering peaks reach towards the sky. In this national park of northern Sweden, elk roam freely, golden eagles soar overhead, and the elusive arctic fox leaves traces of its presence in the snow. From the beauty of Abisko to the rugged peaks of Sarek, Sweden is home to many national parks, each a wonder in itself. The Sámi people have called this alpine region and parts of Norway, Finland and Russia home, since ancient times, and their cultural heritage is intertwined with the wilderness. They fish the coasts, and perhaps, most famously, herd reindeer.Desktop Version
International Sloth Day
International Sloth Day
There is no need to be a busy bee today; it is the perfect moment to be slothful. Happy International Sloth Day! Perhaps, don"t get too comfortable doing nothing; the ovation is for our furry friends. The messy hairstyle and friendly face of this pygmy three-toed sloth in today"s image might make you want to join the branch party, but these animals are not at all easy to find. Also known as the monk sloth or dwarf sloth, the species is endemic exclusively to a small island off the Caribbean coast of Panama, Isla Escudo de Veraguas. This species is significantly smaller than other kinds of sloths. They are about 50 centimetres in length and weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. Sadly, the pygmy three-toed sloth is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature"s list.Desktop Version
Spreadsheet Day
Spreadsheet Day
Whether they"re a pivot table pro or an entry-level novice, spreadsheet users worldwide have one person to thank. Dan Bricklin released the first electronic spreadsheet programme on this day in 1979, a date now commemorated as Spreadsheet Day. The day celebrates the sophisticated grids that have reshaped businesses from accounting and engineering to education and project management. Like the spreadsheets that empower modern data handling, ancient civilisations also sought innovative ways to record and track the world around them.Desktop Version
European hedgehog
European hedgehog
Brown, round, tiny and spiny—say hello to the European hedgehog! While this is the only species of hedgehog in the United Kingdom, where our image was taken, 17 other species can be found across Europe, Asia, Africa and New Zealand. With leaves turning gold and the air getting chilly, this European hedgehog is all set to gain some weight for the upcoming season. Mostly nocturnal, these prickly pals love snacking on insects, worms and slugs, keeping gardens and forests naturally pest-free. As the days get shorter and colder, they cosy up in their nests of logs and leaves and sleep away the winter blues. They slow down their heartbeats and conserve energy, waking up only when spring blooms beckon. Hedgehogs depend on their yellow-tipped spines for defence, both while they hibernate and when they face enemies. Though they don"t live in the wild in North America, that shouldn"t stop us from celebrating these spiky critters for adding a touch of wonder to the world!Desktop Version
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day, celebrated on the third Saturday of October, is a tribute to the fascinating world of discovering our past through ancient sites and artefacts. Archaeological organisations across the world present events such as scavenger hunts, lectures and interactive workshops, all programs to awaken your inner Indiana Jones. This day also piques our curiosity about the mysteries of the past and teaches us about societies and cultural heritage.Desktop Version
Lake Tahoe, USA
Lake Tahoe, USA
Peeking out of Lake Tahoe—the largest alpine lake in North America and the second-deepest lake in the United States— Bonsai Rock and its surroundings are a popular tourist destination in the Sierra Nevada range. The peculiar sight of four trees growing out of what appears to be a massive granite rock inspired a name that comes from the Japanese art of growing miniature trees. Bonsai traditionally contain a single tree or a small group of trees of the same species, so the description fits this site well. Part of the purpose of bonsai is to provide an opportunity for contemplation, so if you visit Bonsai Rock, find a place to relax and explore your thoughts.Desktop Version
Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
In today"s image, we see the sun beginning to disappear below the pier at Huntington Beach, California. First built in 1902, Huntington Beach Pier was damaged by a storm, leading it to be rebuilt just nine years later. During the Second World War, a submarine lookout post was installed on the pier to help with the war effort. These days, it"s a popular tourist spot, with visitors heading there to fish and to watch surfers ride the waves out in the Pacific Ocean.Desktop Version
Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor, Cambodia
Towering ancient temples, moss-covered ruins and enchanting forests can all be found in the ancient site of Angkor in Cambodia. In the 12th century, it was the bustling capital of the Khmer Empire, ruled by King Jayavarman VII. A gem within Angkor is Angkor Thom (pictured here is its North Gate), the "Great City." Strolling through Angkor Thom"s intricate ruins, gates and the iconic Bayon Temple—with its 216 gigantic smiling stone faces—is like stepping into an adventure movie. Angkor"s star attraction, Angkor Wat, is the world"s largest religious monument—spread across 163 hectares—and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It was initially constructed as a Hindu temple before becoming a Buddhist site. So, if you"re looking for a blend of history, art and nature, this UNESCO World Heritage Site guarantees an unforgettable journey into the past.Desktop Version
Grey seal pup
Grey seal pup
If you happen to visit England"s Norfolk coasts around this time, you"re very likely to see some grey seal pups experiencing the world for the first time. About 3,000 grey seal babies are born on the shoreline between early November and January each year—slightly earlier than the ones living on the US coasts—making the area one of the most significant breeding regions in the United Kingdom. The seal moms feed their pups on the beach for three weeks, and their effort is noticeable. The offspring gain approximately 2 kilograms each day in those weeks! Following the feeding period, the young seals are not water-ready just yet. They stay on the beach until their pale fur darkens to a mottled grey, then head to the sea and learn to hunt themselves.Desktop Version